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Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells)

Until
February 24, Neptune Theatre in Halifax presents Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells), Rose
Napoli’s gripping exploration of sex, power and control between a high-school
teacher and his protégé-turned-lover. Recently we spoke with Assistant Director
(Chrysalis Apprentice) Andrew Chandler about what audiences can expect.

When
and why did you first become interested in theater?

I adapted, directed and starred in a grade 5
production of "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" at lunch time, but
after that, it took until mid-way through a music degree at Mount Allison to
discover that theatre was calling. I was playing percussion in the pit
band for the school musical, and found myself thinking "those folks on
stage sure look like they're having a lot of fun"... the following year, I
auditioned for the show, and shortly thereafter, I moved away from classical
percussion, and more towards theatre.

Are
they the same reasons that you continue to be involved today?

I think I was drawn to theatre because it was a
poetic, imaginative mirror that reflected the highest highs, the biggest
questions, and the deepest thoughts of real life. That's what draws me
still.

What
are the challenges of the vocation?

The biggest challenge is always finding work that
sustains you, and finding ways to keep living in the lean times. I've been
very lucky to have been working steadily for some time, but it's a hustle,
always.

What
are the rewards?

So many; the joy of getting to face new challenges
every day, have new adventures, and learn more about and from fellow creative
explorers.

How,
when & why did you get involved with Lo?

I'm a grateful member of Neptune's Chrysalis Project,
which supports emerging artists, by allowing them the opportunity to work on
shows throughout this season. Lo was one of the shows I was
most hoping to get to assist on, and I've been blessed to be able to work on
this challenging, exciting, powerful show.

From
your perspective, why has the story struck such a strong chord with audiences?

I think the story is so powerful because it asks
big questions around love, sex and consent in a way that is deeply, powerfully
human. While the relationship depicted in Lo is unlawful,
neither character is a one-dimensional predator nor prey. They're both
complex, nuanced people, who make mistakes as they search for love and
connection in each other. To me, it depicts a profoundly human capacity to
hope, to love, and to err.

What
can audiences expect to experience during the Halifax run?

Audiences should expect to be challenged to think,
to feel, and to question their assumptions. Lo invites questions
and discussion, and it does so with laughter, with love, with hope, and with
grace.

What
are your thoughts on the current state of theater in Halifax &
Atlantic Canada? This is a really exciting time for theatre in Nova
Scotia. Neptune, under new artistic director Jeremy Webb, has shown a
really exciting new energy, for new plays, new ideas, and new artists. I
feel that change has already impacted so many in the community, and I feel
newly inspired to create great work with the many talented artists here at
home. I hope that audiences are as excited, and as inspired to find
theatre that is off-the-beaten-path, to try out an independent theatre show,
and to be adventurous and generous in their support.

What's
next on your creative agenda?

I'll be appearing on stage with Eastern Front
Theatre's production of Catherine Banks' "Miss N Me," playing on Neptune’s
Scotiabank Studio Stage March 14-24th.